Sterilizing compositions comprising phosphors for converting electromagnetic radiation to uvc radiation and methods for using the same

ABSTRACT

There is disclosed a composition for converting electromagnetic energy to ultraviolet C (UVC) radiation or radiation of a shorter wavelength, the composition comprising at least one phosphor capable of converting an initial electromagnetic energy (A) to an electromagnetic energy (B) comprising UVC radiation or radiation of a shorter wavelength, and an organic or inorganic media containing said phosphor. There is also a method of sterilizing an article by exposing it to UVC radiation or radiation of a shorter wavelength for a time sufficient to deactivate or kill at least one microorganism and/or for a time sufficient to inhibit abnormal cell growth within the body, when said composition is in an implantable medical device. A method of coating an article with such compositions is also disclosed.

This application claims the benefit of domestic priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/988,466, filed Nov. 16, 2007, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The present invention relates to a germicidal composition that can be formed into or used in various consumer, medical, and industrial products. The composition comprises organic or inorganic phosphors that convert an incident radiation to UVC radiation or electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelengths, such as x-rays or gamma-rays for the purpose of sterilization by elimination, inactivation or reduction of pathogens including viruses, bacteria, fungi, yeast or prions. The present invention also relates to methods for making consumer, medical and industrial products from such compositions, as well as sterilizing such consumer products by applying an incident radiation that will be converted to UVC radiation or electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelengths.

It is known that UV-C light is “germicidal” because it can deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other pathogens and thus destroys their ability to multiply and cause disease. In addition to such ultraviolet germicidal radiation, gamma rays and x-rays have been used to disinfect and purify water, air, and surfaces without the need for heat or chemicals. The short wavelength associated with UVC energy, specifically between about 250 to about 260 nm, and lower, provides the highest germicidal effectiveness, and thus is lethal to a variety or microorganisms, including the most common molds, virus, and bacteria, such as salmonella, staphylococcus, streptococcus, legionella, bacillus, dysentery, infectious hepatitis, influenza, and rotavirus.

The most common way to use UVC technology has long been germicidal lamps that emit a wavelength of energy of approximately 254 nm, since this is the region of maximum germicidal effectiveness. While UVC technology is both effective and free of unwanted by-products, it also has some inherent drawbacks, including the costs of the lamps and the dangers associated with direct or reflected germicidal radiation.

Accordingly, there is a need for a more economical and safer method of using the powerful germicidal effects of UV technology. To that end, the Inventor has investigated the use of organic or inorganic phosphors in a composition that will benefit from germicidal effects.

A phosphor is a substance that exhibits the phenomenon of phosphorescence, or a sustained glowing after exposure to light or energized particles such as electrons. Phosphors have a finite emission time, with persistence being inversely proportional to wavelength. Because the persistence of the phosphor increases as the wavelength decreases, it is known that red and orange phosphors do not have sufficiently long glow times.

The organic and inorganic phosphors used in the present invention differ from these traditional phosphors in that they have an indefinite glow time. In addition, they have the ability to transfer electromagnetic energy of one frequency to a higher frequency (referred to as “up-converting”) or to a lower frequency (referred to as “down-converting”), depending on the rare earth metal used. A description of such phosphors is provided U.S. Pat. No. 5,698,397, which is herein incorporated by reference. This patent describes the use of such phosphors for biological and other assays.

Up-converting crystals, which take light or electromagnetic radiation of one frequency and convert it to light of a higher frequency (thus shorter wavelength), appear to contradict a basic law of physics directed to conservation of energy. However, two, four or more photons of a lower frequency or longer wavelength are converted into a single photon of higher frequency or shorter wavelength. Thus a number of photons of lower energy combine to produce one photon of higher energy. These compounds can emit visible light when irradiated with infra-red light.

In contrast, down-converting crystals take light or electromagnetic radiation of one frequency and convert it to light of a lower frequency (thus longer wavelength). These compounds can emit red or IR light when irradiated with UV or visible light.

The Inventor has surprisingly discovered that when incorporated into various media, such as resins, ceramics, and fabrics, the disclosed phosphors can change the frequency of visible or infrared light to germicidal UVC radiation, or electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelengths, such as x-rays or gamma-rays for the purpose of sterilization by elimination, inactivation or reduction of pathogens including viruses, bacteria, fungi, yeast or prions. In addition, because the incident radiation is in the visible, infrared or longer wavelength ultraviolet region, there are no dangers associated with direct or reflected UV radiation. Rather, all the germicidal UV and shorter wavelength radiation impinges only on the article or area that contains the inventive composition.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Thus, the present disclosure is directed to a composition for converting electromagnetic energy to ultraviolet C (UVC) radiation or electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelengths, such as x-rays or gamma-rays, for the purpose of sterilization by elimination, inactivation or reduction of pathogens including viruses, bacteria, fungi, yeast or prions. In one embodiment, the composition comprises, in an organic or inorganic media, at least one phosphor capable of converting an initial electromagnetic energy (A) to UVC radiation or electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelengths than UVC such as x-rays or gamma-rays. The materials that can be used herein is based on the ternary rare earth metal orthophosphate, a crystalline solid composed of a host lattice of yttrium lutetium scandium orthophosphate that is activated with a small amount of dopants selected from bismuth, praseodymium and neodymium

There is also disclosed a method of sterilizing an article by exposing it to UV-C radiation or electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelengths such as x-rays or gamma-rays. In one embodiment, the method comprises exposing to visible, infrared or long wavelength UV radiation, a composition comprising, in an organic or inorganic media, at least one phosphor capable of converting the visible or infrared light to UVC radiation or radiation of a shorter wavelength, wherein the article is exposed for a time sufficient to deactivate or kill at least one microorganism chosen from bacteria, virus, mold, protozoa, and yeast.

There is also disclosed a method of inhibiting abnormal cell growth in a living body. In one embodiment, the method comprises exposing an article coated with the inventive composition, such as a stent, to visible or IR radiation (initial radiation A), so that it is converted to UVC radiation or electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelengths such as x-rays or gamma-rays. The coated article can be exposed to the initial radiation (A) for a time sufficient to inhibit abnormal cell growth within the body, when the composition is in or on an implantable medical device.

There is also disclosed a method of coating an article with a sterilizing composition described herein. In this embodiment, the method comprises spraying, dipping, painting, or otherwise impregnating, on the article, a composition as described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions

Certain terms used herein are defined below:

“Up-converting” refers to the ability to convert electromagnetic energy to a higher energy or shorter wavelength.

“Down-converting” refers to the ability to convert electromagnetic energy to a lower energy or longer wavelength.

“At least one” as used herein means one or more and thus includes individual components as well as mixtures/combinations.

A “film,” as used herein, refers to a continuous coating, i.e., a coating without holes visible to the naked eye, which covers at least a portion of the substrate to which the composition was applied. Further, a film, as used herein, may have any thickness and is not restricted to a thin coating.

“Film-forming polymer” as used herein means a polymer which, by itself or in the presence of a film-forming auxiliary, is capable, after dissolution in at least one solvent, of forming a film on the substrate to which it is applied once the at least one solvent evaporates.

“Polymers” as defined herein comprise copolymers (including terpolymers) and homopolymers, including but not limited to, for example, block polymers, cross linked polymers, and graft polymers.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

Phosphors are usually made from a suitable host material, to which an activator is added. Suitable activators that may be used in the present invention include ytterbium, erbium, thulium, holmium, and combinations of these materials. Non-limiting examples of activator couples include ytterbium/erbium, ytterbium/thulium, and ytterbium/holmium.

Generally, host materials comprise oxides, halides, sulfides, and selenides of various rare earth metals. Suitable phosphor host materials that may be used in one embodiment of the present invention include gadolinium, yttrium, lanthanum, and combinations of these materials. Particular non-limiting embodiments of such crystal matrices which may comprise the host material include oxy-sulfides, oxy-fluorides, oxy-chlorides, or vanadates of various rare earth metals.

Non-limiting embodiments of the organic and/or inorganic phosphors that can be used as host materials in the present disclosure include sodium yttrium fluoride (NaYF₄), lanthanum fluoride (LaF₃), lanthanum oxysulfide (La₂O₂S), yttrium oxysulfide (Y₂O₂S), yttrium fluoride (YF₃), yttrium gallate, yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG), gadolinium fluoride (GdF₃), barium yttrium fluoride (BaYF₅, BaY₂F₈), gadolinium oxysulfide (Gd₂O₂S), calcium tungstate (CaWO₄), yttrium oxide:terbium (Yt₂O₃Tb), gadolinium oxysulphide: europium (Gd₂O₂S:Eu); lanthanam oxysulphide: europium (La₂O₂S:Eu); and gadolinium oxysulphide: promethium, cerium, fluorine (Gd₂O₂S:Pr,Ce,F); and generally (YLuScA)PO₄, wherein A is an activator selected from the group of bismuth, praseodymium and neodymium.

Other phosphors which may be used in the present composition, along with their characteristic absorption colors (and wavelengths) include, are not limited to: Gd₂O₂S:Tb (P43), green (peak at 545 nm); Gd₂O₂S:Eu, red (627 nm); Gd₂O₂S:Pr, green (513 nm); Gd₂O₂S:Pr,Ce,F, green (513 nm); Y₂O₂S:Tb (P45), white (545 nm); Y₂O₂S:Tb red (627 nm); Y₂O₂S:Tb, white (513 nm); Zn(0.5)Cd(0.4)S:Ag green (560 nm); Zn(0.4)Cd(0.6)S:Ag (HSr), red (630 nm); CdWO₄, blue (475 nm); CaWO₄, blue (410 nm); MgWO₄, white (500 nm); Y₂SiO₅:Ce (P47), blue (400 nm); YAIO₃:Ce (YAP), blue (370 nm); Y₃Al₅O₁₂:Ce (YAG), green (550 nm); Y₃(Al,Ga)₅O₁₂:Ce (YGG), green (530 nm); CdS:In, green (525 nm); ZnO:Ga, blue (390 nm); ZnO:Zn (P15), blue (495 nm); (Zn,Cd)S:Cu,Al (P22G), green (565 nm); ZnS:Cu,Al,Au (P22G), green (540 nm); ZnCdS:Ag,Cu (P20), green (530 nm); ZnS:Ag (P11), blue (455 nm); Zn₂SiO₄:Mn (P1), green (530 nm); ZnS:Cu (GS), green (520 nm); and the following crystals that emit in a UV-C range, e.g., from 200 to 280 nm, such as from 225 to 275 nm: YPO₄:Nd; LaPO₄:Pr; (Ca,Mg)SO₄:Pb; YBO₃:Pr; Y₂SiO₅:Pr; Y₂Si₂O₇:Pr; SrLi₂SiO₄:Pr,Na; and CaLi₂SiO₄:Pr.

In one embodiment, the organic and/or inorganic phosphors are present in the disclosed composition in an amount effective to convert electromagnetic radiation of a frequency (A) to a higher frequency (B). While in theory, the up-converting crystals of this embodiment can convert any electromagnetic energy to a higher energy (or shorter wavelength), in one embodiment, the electromagnetic radiation of frequency (A) comprises infrared or visible light, and the frequency (B) comprises ultraviolet (UV) radiation chosen from UVA, UVB, and UVC.

The organic and/or inorganic phosphors may be present in the disclosed composition in an amount ranging from 0.01% to 60% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, such as from 0.1% to 30% or even 1% to 15% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

In one embodiment, the disclosed composition may further comprise an activator for the organic and/or inorganic phosphors, such as a ytterbium containing activator. Non-limiting examples of the ytterbium containing activator include ytterbium/erbium, ytterbium/thulium, ytterbium/terbium, and ytterbium/holmium.

The organic and/or inorganic phosphors according to the present disclosure typically have an average particle size ranging from 1 nm to 1 cm, such as from 1 nm to 1 mm, from 2 nm to 1000 nm, from 5-100 nm, or even 10-50 nm. The concentration of the organic and/or inorganic phosphors in the inventive composition as well as in the above-defined regions and the size of the organic and/or inorganic phosphors can be measured by methods known for such which are well known in the art. For example, x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and/or BET surface area analysis may be used.

The organic and/or inorganic phosphors according to the present disclosure are typically synthesized from rare-earth doped phosphorescent oxide particles having the previously described sizes. The method further provides for homogeneous ion distribution through high temperature atomic diffusion.

A solid-phase precursor composition (hereinafter referred to as “the precursor composition”) is prepared by mixing one or more rare earth element dopant precursor powders with one or more oxide-forming host metal powders. Stoichiometric amounts of host metal and rare earth element are employed to provide rare earth element doping concentrations in the final particle of at least 0.5 mol % up to the quenching limit concentration.

In one embodiment, the quenching limit concentration is about 15-18 mol % for europium-doped Y₂O₃ nanoparticles, while it is about 10 mol % for erbium-doped Y₂O₃ nanoparticles. Also, for Yb and Er-codoped Y₂O₃ nanoparticles, the quenching limit depends upon the ratio of Yb:Er.

The rare earth element dopant precursor powders include, but are not limited to organometallic rare earth complexes having the structure:

RE(X)₃

wherein X is a trifunctional ligand and RE is a rare earth element. Any rare earth element or combinations thereof can be used (i.e., europium, cerium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium, lutetium) with particular mention being made to europium, cerium, terbium, holmium, erbium, thulium and ytterbium, as well as the following combinations: ytterbium and erbium, ytterbium and holmium and ytterbium and thulium.

Strontium can also be used, and for purposes of the present invention, rare earth elements are defined as including strontium. are earth element dopant precursor powders include Yb(TMHD)₃, Er(TMHD)₃, Ho(TMHD)₃, Tm(TMHD)₃, erbium isopropoxide (C₉H₂₁O₃Er), ytterbium isopropoxide (C₉H₂₁O₃Yb), and holmium isopropoxide (C₉H₂₁O₃Ho).

Examples of trifunctional ligands include tetramethylheptanedionate (TMHD), isopropoxide (IP), and the like.

The oxide forming host metal can be, but is not limited to, lanthanum, yttrium, lead, zinc, cadmium, and any of the Group II metals such as, beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, aluminum, radium and any mixtures thereof or a metalloid selected from silicon, germanium and II-IV semi-conductor compounds. Oxide-forming host metal powders include Y(TMHD)₃, Al(TMHD)₃, Zr(TMHD)₃, Y(IP), and Ti(IP).

The rare earth element dopant precursor powder and oxide-forming host metal powders are mixed to form the precursor composition, and vaporized. An inert carrier gas, such as, but not limited to, nitrogen, argon, helium, and mixtures thereof, transports the vaporized precursor composition to a low pressure combustion chamber that houses a flame.

The flame produces active atomic oxygen via chain-initiation reaction of

H+O₂=OH+O  (i)

A high concentration of oxygen in the flame activates and accelerates the oxidation of rare-earth ions and host materials through a series of reactions:

R+O→RO;  (ii)

RO+O→ORO; and  (iii)

ORO+RO→R₂O₃  (iv)

Reactions (ii) through (iv) are much faster than the oxidation reaction in low temperature processing represented by the reaction below;

2R+3/2O₂=R₂O₃  (iv)

The reaction represented by formula (v) has a much higher energy barrier than the reactions in formulae (i)-(iv) in which radicals formed in flames diffuse and help produce faster ion incorporation.

Generally, in flame spray pyrolysis a higher flame temperature increases particle sintering and agglomeration. However, in one embodiment of the present invention, spherical, discrete particles are formed. It is proposed that in addition to residence time, the initial size of the vapor-phase particles in the vaporized precursor composition and the precursor itself are the dominant factors that determine final particle size. As the vaporized precursor composition passes through the flame, it directly reacts and releases heat to the flame increasing flame temperature. Thus, a shorter flame residence time is needed, which allows for the production of smaller particles.

Temperatures ranging from about 1800 to about 2900° C. are used in one embodiment, with temperatures ranging from about 2200 to about 2400° C. being particularly noted. Temperatures within this range produce monodispersed rare earth doped activated oxide nanoparticles without significant agglomeration having an essentially uniform distribution of rare earth ions within the particles. Actual residence time will depend upon reactor configuration and volume, as well as the volume per unit time of vaporized precursor composition delivered at a given flame temperature. Cubic phase particles are obtained having an average particle size ranging from 5 to 50 nanometers, such as from 10 to 20 nanometers. Until recently, it was not possible to obtain activated cubic phase particles on a nanoscale. The particles also exhibit quenching limit concentrations heretofore unobtained.

The flame temperature can be manipulated by adjusting the flow rates of the gas(es). For example, the temperature of the flame can be increased by increasing the methane flow rate in a methane/oxygen gas mixture. Guided by the present specification, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand without undue experimentation how to adjust the respective flow rates of reactive gas(es) and inert carrier gas to achieve the flame temperature producing the residence time required to obtain an activated particle with a predetermined particle size.

Any reactive gas can be used singularly or in combination to generate the flame for reacting with the vaporized precursor composition, such as, but not limited to, hydrogen, methane, ethane, propane, ethylene, acetylene, propylene, butylenes, n-butane, iso-butane, n-butene, iso-butene, n-pentane, iso-pentane, propene, carbon monoxide, other hydrocarbon fuels, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, ammonia, and the like, and mixtures thereof.

A hydrogen flame can produce high purity nano-phosphors without hydrocarbon and other material contamination. In the depicted embodiments, the flame length determines particle residence time within the flame. Higher temperatures produce satisfactory nanoparticles with shorter flames. Flame length is similarly manipulated by varying gas flow rates, which is also well understood by the ordinarily skilled artisan. Increasing the flame length increases the residence time of the particles in the flame allowing more time for the particles to grow. The particle residence time can be controlled by varying the different flow rates of the gases, and is readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art guided by the present specification.

The compositions according to the invention further comprises at least one organic or inorganic media in or on which the disclosed phosphors are dispersed. In one embodiment, the organic media comprises a plastic resin, such as thermoplastic elastomers, high temperature plastics, and engineering thermoplastics. Non-limiting examples of such resins include a polymer or co-polymer of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), olefin, polycarbonate, styrene, nylon, and acetal.

It is possible to obtain an intimate mixture of the described phosphors and resins by mixture them in a dry state and subsequently compounding them, which may be followed by forming them into desired shapes using known plastic forming techniques, such as injection molding.

The resins described herein are well-know to be formed into a variety of plastic consumer and household goods, including hair combs, toothbrushes (and bristles), toilet seats, as well as in all types of food packaging.

Food packaging made from the inventive composition makes it possible to reduce the occurrence of common food bacteria, such E. coli and salmonella, simply by exposing it to light, even while sitting on a store shelf. Thus, it may be possible to extend the life of a product by using packaging made from the disclosed composition.

In another embodiment, the media is inorganic and comprises a ceramic, metal or fabric. For example, the inorganic media may be ceramic and comprise glass or porcelain when the end-use is for a kitchen or bathroom fixture. Use of such compositions make it possible to form eating and cooking utensils that are resistant to common food bacteria, such E. coli and salmonella.

In one embodiment, the disclosed composition is used in a medical device. Non-limiting examples of such medical devices include intralumen devices, such as stents, guidewires, and embolic filters. Common materials that can be used in such intralumen devices include metals chosen from stainless steel or an alloy of nickel and titanium, commonly referred to as “NiTinols.”

When coated on such devices, it would be possible to achieve localized UVC treatment even when such a device is inserted in the body. For example, by exposing the body to infrared (IR) radiation, which passes through the body, the IR radiation will convert to UVC radiation or radiation of a shorter wavelength such as x-rays or gamma rays when it comes into contact with coated devices. This localized treatment will inhibit abnormal cell growth within the body, commonly referred to as “restenosis”, which remains a major limitation of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Other non-limiting examples of medical devices that may benefit from being coated with the inventive composition include needles, catheters, such as intravenous catheters and urinary catheters, surgical instruments, material to be implanted into the body to repair or replace blood vessels, or to be implanted as mesh as in hernia repair, such as polytetrafluoroethylene or other fluoropolymer based materials, including those sold under the name Gortex®, valves for the heart or blood vessels, orthopedic devices such as prosthetic joints, ligaments, cartilage and the like, as well as neurosurgical implants, nerve stimulators, deep brain stimulators, and the like.

Another embodiment is directed to containers for collection and/or storage of bodily fluids, such as blood and blood components. The plastic composition used in such containers typically includes a plastic resin that is suitable for contact with blood, such as polyvinyl chloride, polyolefin or polyester. Such containers must be able sterilize the container, which is typically carried out at high temperatures.

It is possible, however, that exposure of such plastic compositions to high temperatures during steam sterilization, may cause degradation of the plastic composition. Degradation presents obvious problems, including a weakening of the overall mechanical strength of the container. To avoid this problem, it is possible to form a flexible sterilizable storage container for blood and blood components.

The plastic composition used in such containers typically includes a plastic resin that is suitable for contact with blood, such as polyvinyl chloride, polyolefin or polyester, that is compounded with the phosphors disclosed herein. In addition to sterilizing the blood storage vessel from the disclosed composition, the blood stored in the vessel and unwanted contaminants located therein, such as hepatitis, can be easily exposed to a lethal dose of radiation. Thus, in one embodiment, there is disclosed a method of treating blood products by exposing blood products that are contained in a vessel made of the composition disclosed herein, to an initial radiation, which when intersected with the disclosed composition, is converted to UVC radiation or electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelengths, such as x-rays or gamma-rays.

There is also disclosed an cover, such as a glass or plastic piece, for covering an article to be disinfected. For example, in one embodiment, there is disclosed a plastic piece for covering the head of a toothbrush or the diaphragm of a stethoscope. In this embodiment, the plastic cover is capable of emitting the longer wavelength radiation to activate the crystals and creating UV-C within the environment where the article is being disinfected. In one embodiment, the cover further comprises coating on at least one of the interior or exterior walls that blocks the UV-C from exiting the plastic cover, thus preventing UVC from reaching those in the environment outside of the article that is being disinfected. In one embodiment, the coating for containing the UVC comprises a thin metal layer, or an oxide that is transparent or translucent to the initial energy A but that prevent UVC from exiting the cover, such as MgO, TiO₂, SiO₂ and Al₂O₃.

In one embodiment, the cover may be used on top of any product described herein, such as a consumer product or medical device chosen from a toothbrush, comb, razor, stethoscope, or dental implant.

In another embodiment, the organic or inorganic media comprises a fabric derived from natural or synthetic fibers or blends of such fibers. Non-limiting examples of the natural fibers comprise cotton, wool, silk, and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of the synthetic fibers are chosen from polyesters, polyamides, acrylics, olefins, aramids, such as Kevlar®, polyurethanes, polyethers, such as glycolpolyethylene glycols, Spandex®, vinyl polymers and copolymers, and combinations thereof. The polyesters comprise polyethyleneterephthalate and polypropyleneterephthalate, and the polyamides comprise nylon.

The foregoing natural and synthetic fibers and fabrics made from such fabrics, or combinations of such fabrics, can be impregnated or coated with the inventive compositions, and then formed into a bandage or article for wound treatment. Such a bandage would mitigate the possibility of infection by exposing the wound to germicidal UV treatment.

In another embodiment, the inventive composition may be dispersed on a liquid medium to form a sprayable slurry. This embodiment is particularly suited to retro-fit existing articles to make them germicidal. For example, it is possible to coat an existing article, such as a kitchen counter, by spraying, dipping, or painting onto the article, a composition described herein.

In this embodiment, the organic or inorganic media comprises a liquid for forming a sprayable slurry comprising: (a) at least one polyurethane; (b) at least one acrylic polymer or copolymer; and (c) at least one mineral or organic fillers, the composition optionally containing at least one crosslinking agent. In one embodiment, at least one of (a) to (c) is contained in an aqueous medium.

It is envisioned that consumer products made from or coated with the inventive composition can undergo almost continuous germicidal treatment just by nature of it being exposed to visible light, whether ambient or for artificial. In addition to the foregoing, other advantageous end-uses include, but are not limited to, any article that comes into contact with the general public, including door nobs, handrails, telephones, school desks, seat and arm cushions and headrests on public transportation vehicles.

Other areas that would benefit from the use of articles made from the invention include hospitals and doctor offices. For example, furniture, toys and other articles that have an increased exposure to virus, bacteria, yeast and fungi and can be almost continuously treated by simply exposing them to light.

There is also disclosed a method of sterilizing an article by exposing it to UVC radiation or radiation of a shorter wavelength, the method comprising: exposing to long-wave ultraviolet, visible or infrared light, a composition comprising, in an organic or inorganic media, at least one phosphor capable of converting said visible or infrared light to UVC radiation or radiation of a shorter wavelength, such as x-ray or gamma rays. In this embodiment, exposing is performed for a time sufficient to deactivate or kill at least one microorganism, including those chosen from bacteria, virus, mold, protozoa, and yeast.

In another embodiment, the method may be used to inhibit abnormal cell growth within the body. This is typically used when the composition is in or on an implantable medical device, such as a stent.

Other than in the operating examples, or where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and in the attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should be construed in light of the number of significant digits and ordinary rounding approaches.

Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. The following examples are intended to illustrate the invention without limiting the scope as a result. The percentages are given on a weight basis. 

1. A composition for converting electromagnetic energy to UVC radiation or electromagnetic radiation of a shorter wavelength, said composition comprising: at least one phosphor capable of converting an initial electromagnetic energy (A) to a different electromagnetic energy (B), said different electromagnetic energy (B) comprising UVC, X-ray, or gamma radiation; and an organic or inorganic media containing said phosphor. 2-5. (canceled)
 6. The composition of claim 1, wherein the initial electromagnetic radiation of frequency (A) comprises infrared radiation or visible light.
 7. The composition of claim 1, wherein said at least one phosphor has an average particle size ranging from 1 nm to 1 cm.
 8. (canceled)
 9. The composition of claim 1, wherein said at least one phosphor is present in an amount ranging from 0.01% to 60% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.
 10. The composition of claim 1, wherein said organic media comprises a plastic resin.
 11. The composition of claim 10, wherein said plastic resin comprises a polymer or co-polymer of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), olefin, polycarbonate, styrene, nylon, and acetal.
 12. The composition of claim 1, wherein said inorganic media comprises a ceramic, metal or fabric.
 13. The composition of claim 12, wherein said ceramic comprises glass or porcelain. 14-18. (canceled)
 19. The composition of claim 1, wherein said organic or inorganic media comprises a liquid for forming a sprayable slurry of said composition. 20-21. (canceled)
 22. An article comprising the composition of claim 1, said article comprising a consumer product, a children's toy, an animal toy, a medical device, a receptacle for biological fluids, a receptacle for holding drinking water, a bathroom fixture, a kitchen fixture, eating or cooking utensils, a cleaning product, or an article of clothing. 23-26. (canceled)
 27. An article comprising the composition of claim 1, said article comprising a cover for a medical device or consumer product that: is transparent or translucent to said initial electromagnetic energy A and converts said initial energy to UVC radiation or radiation of a shorter wavelength.
 28. The article of claim 27, wherein said cover further comprises a coating on at least one surface that is transparent or translucent to the initial energy but that prevents UVC from exiting the cover.
 29. The article of claim 28, wherein said at least one coating comprises a metal or oxide chosen from MgO, TiO.sub.2, SiO.sub.2 and Al.sub.20.sub.3.
 30. The article of claim 27, wherein said consumer product and medical device is chosen from a toothbrush, comb, razor, stethoscope, and dental implant.
 31. A method of sterilizing an article by exposing it to UVC radiation or radiation of a shorter wavelength, said method comprising: exposing to long-wave ultraviolet, visible or infrared light, a composition comprising, in an organic or inorganic media, at least one phosphor capable of converting said visible or infrared light to UVC radiation or radiation of a shorter wavelength, wherein said exposing is performed for a time sufficient to deactivate or kill at least one microorganism chosen from bacteria, virus, mold, protozoa, and yeast; and/or for a time sufficient to inhibit abnormal cell growth within the body, when said composition is in an implantable medical device. 32-40. (canceled)
 41. A method of coating an article with a sterilizing composition, said method comprising: spraying, dipping, or painting onto said article, a composition comprising, in an organic or inorganic media, at least one phosphor capable of converting said UVB, UVA, visible or infrared light to UVC radiation or radiation of shorter wavelength, wherein said at least one phosphor is chosen from sodium yttrium fluoride (NaYF₄), lanthanum fluoride (LaF₃), lanthanum oxysulfide (La₂O₂S), Yttrium oxysulfide (Y₂O ₂Sgallate, yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG), gadolinium fluoride (GdF barium atrium fluoride BaYF₅ BaY₂F₅), gadolinium oxysulfide (Gd₂O₂S), calcium tungstate (CaWO₄), yttrium oxide:terbium (Yt₂O₃Tb), gadolinium oxysulphide:europium (Gd₂O₂S:Eu), lanthanum oxysulphide:europium (La₂O₂S:Eu), and gadolinium oxysulphide:promethium, cerium, fluorine (GD₂O₂S:Pr,Ce,F), YPO₄:Nd, LaPO₄:Pr, (Ca,Mg)SO₄:Pb, YBO₃:Pr, Y₂SiO₅:Pr, Y₂Si₂O₇:Pr, SrLi₂SiO₄:Pr,Na, and CaLi₂SiO₄:Pr. 42-44. (canceled)
 45. The method of claim 41, wherein said at least phosphor comprises an activator comprising ytterbium, bismuth, praseodymium and neodymium.
 46. The method of claim 41, wherein said activator comprises ytterbium and is chosen from ytterbium/erbium, ytterbium/thulium, ytterbium/terbium, and ytterbium/holmium.
 47. The method of claim 41, wherein the initial electromagnetic radiation of frequency (A) comprises infrared radiation or visible light.
 48. The method of claim 41, wherein said at least one phosphor has an average particle size ranging from 1 nm to 1 cm. 